Installation / Service Apprentice Engineer

Introduction

This role suits someone who has completed the early stages of a security systems apprenticeship or equivalent training and is ready to take the next step. You'll be working alongside our experienced engineers on a varied range of installations and maintenance visits across intruder alarms, CCTV and access control. 

About the Employer

Established in 1974, Vanguard Alarms Ltd is a leading provider of security systems across Shropshire & surrounding counties. As an NSI NACOSS Gold accredited company with a BS EN ISO 9001:2015 quality management system, we are committed to delivering reliable and effective protection.

What You'll Do

First 3 months:

Cabling & Installation:

• First and second fix cabling across intruder, CCTV and access control installations
• Device installation and fixing - PIRs, contacts, cameras, readers, keypads
• Cable routing, containment and termination under supervision
• Assisting on panel wiring and device connection

Maintenance Support:

• Attending planned maintenance visits alongside a senior engineer
• Device testing and reporting findings
• Replacing consumable parts - batteries, fuses, basic components
• Completing job sheets accurately on site

General Site Conduct:

• Safe working practices and tool handling
• Keeping vehicles and equipment tidy and stocked
• Customer interaction - professional conduct on site at all times
• Timekeeping and reporting to lead engineer

Learning Objectives:

• Developing familiarity with the main system brands used across the customer base
• Understanding the difference between Grade 1, 2 and 3 intruder systems
• Building knowledge of NSI standards and what compliance looks like on site

What is NOT expected in first 3 months:

Unsupervised commissioning or programming:

• Independent fault diagnosis
• Customer-facing call-out attendance alone

3- 6 months:

Installation:

• Taking greater ownership of cabling runs and first fix with minimal oversight
• Device installation across all three disciplines with reducing supervision
• Beginning to assist with panel wiring and basic termination checks
• Contributing to site surveys and material estimates alongside senior engineer

Maintenance:

• Attending planned maintenance visits with increasing independence on routine tasks
• Completing full device test sequences with sign-off from senior engineer
• Identifying and reporting faults accurately with suggested remedial action
• Beginning to attend straightforward reactive callouts accompanied

System Knowledge:

• Developing working familiarity with key panel brands across the install base
• Understanding basic programming concepts - zones, outputs, user codes
• Recognising common fault conditions and their likely causes
• Growing confidence reading wiring diagrams and installation documentation

Customer & Site:

• Managing own conduct on site without prompting
• Communicating professionally with customers on routine matters
• Completing job documentation independently and accurately

Learning Objectives:

• Ready to assist on commissioning under direct supervision by end of month 6
• Developing capability toward lone working on straightforward maintenance visits. Building toward first unsupervised reactive attendance on minor faults

Training Outcome

Full-time engineering role.

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Physical fitness

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - MATH & ENGLISH - 4

Course Information

Course: Fire emergency and security systems technician (level 3)

Level: 3

Route: Construction and the built environment

Apprenticeship Level: Advanced

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday - Friday, 08:30 - 17:00.

Expected Duration: 3 Years

Training Provider: SBC TRAINING LIMITED